Boyne Valley Holiday Guide 2023 Web Version

More to discover
The mighty River Boyne – source of myth
and legend slices through the towns of the
Boyne Valley, yet unites this ancient ground.
Dip away from the Driving Route and follow
its meandering path to find a wealth of
other interesting heritage sites, historical
curiosities, bustling towns and charming
villages just waiting to be discovered.
Trim Castle
Millmount, Drogheda
Navan
Less than an hour from Dublin, Navan holds the prestigious Purple Flag status for its evening and night-time economy. Explore the wide range of shops and boutiques, or take a
break in one of the cosy cafes or pubs. Navan is centrally located in the Boyne Valley, an ideal hub for exploring the region.
There are enjoyable walks around the town, particularly along the Boyne River and canal at the Ramparts. Navan town has a self-guided, signed walking trail – Navan Points of
Pride. Commence the walk at the Solstice Arts Centre where brochures on the area can be picked up.
Other historic sites of interest in the Navan area
Bective Abbey; Donaghmore Round Tower & Church; Ardmulchan Church, Dunmoe Castle, Skryne Church, Ardbraccan Church, Athlumney Castle, The Ringfort at Teltown.
What else...
The annual Navan Choral and Instrumental Festival is one of the primary choral festivals in Ireland, hosting competitions for schools, youth and adult choirs. A great day out
for all ages. See navanchoralfestival.com. If sport is your thing check out Navan Racecourse and its Racing Festival in November, or the fairways of Royal Tara Golf Club. You
will be spoiled for choice with restaurants, gastro pubs and venue bars. The Solstice Arts Centre is one of the Boyne Valley’s hubs for the arts. Its programme calendar is packed
offering performances in theatre, dance, local arts, ballet, opera and comedy throughout the year. solstice.ie
Trim Heritage Town
Situated on the River Boyne, Trim is dominated by the medieval Trim Castle which is the largest Anglo-Norman Castle in Ireland, built by Hugh de Lacy in 1173. The town is
full of medieval sites to explore, including the Yellow Steeple, Sheep’s Gate and Newtown Cathedral and Abbey. Winner of Ireland’s Tidiest Town in 2022.
Other historic sites of interest in the Trim area
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, St. Mary’s Abbey, The Newtown Monuments, Echo Gate, The Yellow Steeple. Nearby is the picturesque village of Athboy, home of the famous Blue
Jean Country Queen Festival, and the Hill of Ward, said to be the site of the original Samhain (Halloween) festival.
Drogheda
Drogheda truly is the Gateway to the Boyne Valley. A visit to the interactive Boyne Valley exhibition in the historic Tholsel in the centre of the town is a must for anyone exploring
the region. Drogheda is an ideal town to explore on foot. Pick up a copy of the Drogheda Visitor Guide (or download from drogheda.ie) and visit St. Oliver Plunkett’s head in St.
Peter’s Church (saintoliverplunkett.com), see William III’s Sword and Mace at the beautiful Highlanes Gallery (highlanes.ie), grab a selfie at St. Laurence’s 13th century barbican
gate, cross the river and stroll up to Millmount Tower for magnificent views and to visit the Millmount Museum (Millmount.net) or take a stroll to Mornington. After your adventures,
take time to enjoy the many cafés, restaurants and bars offering a friendly welcome and wonderful selection of refreshments. Many famous faces visited Drogheda over the years.
The Scholars Townhouse Hotel was formerly a school and among its students was John Philip Holland, inventor of the submarine. Meanwhile Woodrow Wilson spent time in the
Marcy Hotel whilst visiting Ireland before becoming U.S. President.
Other historic sites of interest in the Drogheda area
The Millmount Martello Tower offers spectacular views over the town and the entire Boyne Valley. It was at Millmount that Cromwell met his strongest resistance when he laid
siege to the town in 1649. The tower was restored by Drogheda Corporation in 2000 and is home to a military exhibition of Ireland’s struggles. Open all year. millmount.net
St. Peter’s Church, shrine to St. Oliver Plunkett, is among the finest gothic revival churches in Ireland and is famous for housing the shrine of St. Oliver Plunkett. saintoliverplunkett.com
Beaulieu House is situated on the banks of the River Boyne and is one of the earliest examples of an unfortified house in Ireland. Tours of Beaulieu House and Gardens available
by appointment only. beaulieuhouse.ie
What else...
Culture vultures will relish the offering at Droichead Arts Centre, TLT Theatre, The Barbican Theatre, Highlanes Gallery and Beaulieu House & Gardens. See drogheda.ie for a day
to day listing of events and festivals. Families will enjoy fun days out at Funtasia Waterpark or trips to the beach.
Bective Abbey
Drop into the Trim Visitor Centre to learn about the rich history of the town or take the Medieval Armoury Tour: hold a real sword, try on a Norman helmet and handle
chainmail.
What else...
The Annual Scurlogstown Haymaking Festival which takes place in June is just one of a number of festivals and events scheduled for Trim every year, including the Salmon of
Knowledge Festival (August) and the Royal Meath Agricultural Show (September). Visit discoverboynevalley.ie for a full listing of all festivals and events. If you’ve worked up an
appetite you will love Trim, from hotel dining in Trim Castle Hotel and The Knightsbrook Hotel to artisan restaurants like The StockHouse restaurant, Franzinis, Khan Spices
or Brogans, all of whom have an avid love of great food and guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
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Navan
Tholsel Tourist Office, Drogheda